We all know that usability testing can sometimes miss the mark, no matter what we do the test subject can never be completely unaffected by the situation they are asked to take part in. This was never more obvious than our first usability tests on a multi-touch, multi-person device. What then?

How can you quickly ramp up your knowledge in a new domain?, engage stakeholders in the design process and vision, ensure the project runs smoothly? In this talk we will share our experience in using participatory design techniques for tapping into internal IP to unearth ideas through problem-solving brainstorming and prototyping, and to ensure engagement and buy-ins from the stakeholders.

As UX practitioners we focus heavily on the user, but this can cause us to undervalue what can be the most crucial input into a design solution – the client. A great client has excellent domain knowledge, harbours years worth of ideas and is able to clearly articulate their goals. This talk will provide tips to make every client a great client as you work together towards a better solution.

Developing a compelling UX strategy and presenting it in a form or format your business stakeholders can related to is a good way to get traction for user-centred design, especially with stakeholders who don’t fully understand or appreciate the value of great UX.

Interaction design is often focused at the interface between a person and a system in the form of a series of request-response actions. But interaction design can be positioned at the strategic level when the interaction designer looks at the transition between interactions, touchpoints, and the aggregate effect of these interactions on the overall service experience.

I’ve worked in media company portal design for 10 years and have decided they the enemy of the users. Portals are monsters that exist for their own benefit and provide little to no enhancement to the user’s online experience. Using examples and drawing on what we know about users, we will take a look at why the era of the portal needs to end.

In recent projects, some key stakeholders have preferred the look of my wireframes to the look of the visual design guide. The visuals looked great, but what was it about the wireframes? Should I stick to sketchy style in future? Make them deliberately look less finished? But then how do I get honest feedback on my work?

Relying heavily on the work of others, you the audience, and props – Matt and Shane continue their journey to identify those nuggets of insight and technique that form the basis of the interaction designer’s craft. Come again this year to enjoy more of Matt and Shane’s unique brand of not preparing.

Having listened to many great case studies at conferences like this one, Michelle wanted to get down and dirty with her audience at UX Australia this year, to reveal the challenges faced in a recent project.

This presentation will guide people towards assessing, understanding and discovering value in order to make valuable stuff in the world; zero in sharply on the on the 'analysis' or 'up front piece' of product development i.e. at the strategy stage, when products are being planned; look at how to implement ‘value questions’ as part of product planning, so it will provide practical tips along the way.